Monday, March 30, 2009


I just came across Luchador wine online and when I got home and read this story online it made me wish I had a bottle.

"Here's the real story about the origin of Luchador. My longest term employee ( a warehouse manager who has worked for me for ten years, since he was twenty-one), came into my office and said, "My friends and I usually drink beer whenever we watch the Lakers, but now we're drinking wine. Why don't you make a wine for us?" How do you want it? "Big." How much do you want to pay? "About $15.00 bucks." So I made it. Even though it doesn't say it on the label, Luchador is a classic, regional Barossa Shiraz. It's the baby brother of Chris Ringland CR.

For those of you who don't know, a Luchador (think matador, one who fights bulls) is a wrestler in Mexico. I'm not sure what inspired me to put a Luchador on a Barossa Valley Australian Shiraz label, but I did. I love it. The label is designed by a very cool team of designers called Morning Breath, who are well known for their CD design for artists like Stone Roses, Eminem, and Jay-Z. As it says on the label, "This wine will body-slam your tongue."

A Mexican friend of mine took a bottle to a family party of about 200 in East Los Angeles and someone commented, "I've never seen a wine with Hispanic appeal before." I love it when stuff like this happens. Good is good and appeals all over, just like Bitch and the Roogle."

Whether you believe this story or not, the labels themselves are reason enough to buy this wine. Designed by Morning Breath, Luchador has an eye-catching off set print quality that is reminiscent of Hatch Show Print posters and the illustration work of Love and Rockets comic books. There are four unique labels that make this shiraz feel more like a collectors item than an everyday table wine. To top it off, the case itself is an exciting collage of vintage fighting posters and graphic type.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tavern Topics 03

Ne’er-Do-Wells here is your weekly roundup of Tavern Topics…

Hebdomadal Hooch:
I am so stoked on a couple of beers that I tried over the weekend. I got a case of Full Sail Brewing Company’s, Session Lager . This is an awesome lager brewed with both American and European hops so it has an old world import taste. This brew is not only tasty, but it comes in kick ass ‘stubby’ 11oz bottles that harkens back to the pre-probation era. The other little gem I found this weekend was Magic Hat Brewing Company, I bought their spring variety pack. The beer I fell in love with out of that pack was the Odd Notion Spring Pilsner, Dude this is a super trippy mix of organic agave and get this…blue poppy seeds! One of my favorite brews to date!

Ethanol Etiquette:
What is a Party Foul? Not to be confused with a Party Fowl, which is a bird that can hold its liquor exceptionally well for an animal; usually a duck or pheasant. A Party Foul rather, is a situation that usually consists of dropping and or breaking something. Beer bottles, red wine on white carpet, and puking on someone’s shoes are prime examples. When this happens the appropriate thing to do is point and yell out at the top of your lungs “PARTY FOUL, YO!” Note: the “Yo” suffix is purely optional…but is a nice touch if delivered in a non-douche bag way…Further Note: “Yo” is no longer able to be uttered in a non-douche bag way, Yo. There are three participants involved in a Party Foul. The Defendant, You the perpetrator of said foul. Number one plea uttered by the defendant is “My bad,Yo”. The second person(s) that are involved in a Party Foul is the Plaintiff , the person that was directly or indirectly the recipient of a Party Foul. Beer spilled on you, is a direct violation. Beer spilled on your Jon Favreau autographed Iron Man poster is an indirect violation, to which the Plaintiff usually shouts “Dude!” as their preferred accusatory reprimand. Finally we have you, the Jury. The Jurist’s sole job is not to offer sympathy to the defendant, but rather be the first to bring to light the defendant’s misfortune and drunkenly record the hilarity on your iphone…immediately posting this blurry, shaky video on YouTube is definitely warranted if the foul is considered epic enough.

Rotgut Reviews:
I had several glasses of single malt, Arran Scotch Whisky . I choose to drink it neat and out of a shot glass at room temperature. It should be noted that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to drink Scotch whisky – it is very much down to a question of personal taste. However, let me offer a few basic suggestions. Many who drink Scotch whisky neat say they do not want to spoil the taste by adding water. However, equally as many will say that adding a touch of water, particularly if it is pure, soft spring water, (ideally the same spring water used in the making of the particular whisky!) serves to enhance the distinctive aroma and flavor of a whisky. Tap water may contain high amounts of chlorine and therefore would not complement any whisky - your best bet is to opt for bottled Scottish mineral water! Adding ice to a whisky can provide a refreshing drink but it should be noted that it will dull the fine taste and wonderful aromas. The addition of mixers such as ginger ale, soda and even coca cola, is a popular trend, however it does beg the question - why drink whisky at all if you need to mask the taste? Just a thought Ne’er-Do-Wells.

Firewater Food Flirtation:
Beer goes with everything…Yo

The Booze Elf:
The Booze Elf was up to shenanigans this weekend. While I was not a direct recipient of Booze Elf Phenomena…My buddy was. What started out as a few drinks at a local pizza joint led to an almost 12 hour foray of Beers, Booze, Billiards and BullSh*ting! The clock was strangely absent during this mission of intoxication and continued merriment was the force that kept the thought, ‘Reasonable Hour’ at bay. Remember, dear friends, The Booze Elf has many entrapments in which to ensnare you in his web of anti-sober behavior. Mind the clock, and beware the phrase “Just one more before ya go.”